The settlement and so the dispersion of the tailings can be influenced by the use of flocculants. It binds the fine sediments resulting in larger particles with an higher fall velocity. In example of flocculant is starch. The type of flocculant and the dosage varies per sediment sample. In Phase 2 the optimum flocculant dosage was determined by conducting
- Zeta potential measurements, for the bounding with flocs
- Settling-jar tests, gives the hindered settling velocity.
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Figure 1: Set-up Jar test
Figure 2: Effect of different concentrations of flocculant on the settling velocity.